This week, in NKY local government meetings, Newport will hear proposed changes to the Bar ID requirements and extended hours license ordinances, and Boone County will review the next fiscal year’s budget.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in NKY government meetings?
Fort Wright considers raising mayor’s salary
Fort Wright City Council is considering raising the base compensation for elected officials for the first time since 1998. While a 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment will take effect on July 1, bringing the mayor’s salary to $7,689.68 and council members’ to $3,075.88 annually, Councilmember Jason C. Collins proposed a more substantial increase for the mayor, citing the relatively low pay. After discussion, the council agreed to raise the mayor’s base salary to $8,000 annually, effective January 2027, while council members’ salaries will remain unchanged. The change will only apply to future officeholders, and an ordinance formalizing it is set to be introduced on May 7.
Read more about the pay raise consideration here.
Covington considers financing for warehouse apartment rehab
The Covington City Commission is set to vote on issuing up to $8 million in industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to support Orleans Development’s plan to convert a former warehouse at 1564 Banklick St. into the 39-unit Steelyard Apartments. The project, aimed at workforce housing, includes one- and two-bedroom units with average rents ranging from $1,200 to $1,475. To help finance the estimated $7.3 million rehab, the developer is also securing a $950,000 bridge loan from the Catalytic Fund. The IRB issuance would be paired with a 20-year PILOT agreement, reducing property taxes to keep rents more affordable.
Read more about the financing considerations here.
Erlanger council members debate dollar limit for gifts
The Erlanger City Council is debating whether to raise the $100 gift limit for council members—a cap set in 1994—to $150, with the goal of balancing transparency with practicality. Councilmember Jennifer Jasper-Lucas, who opposes the increase, emphasized the need to prevent undue influence and uphold public trust, citing recent bribery scandals among nearby officials. Supporters of keeping the limit, including council member Diana Niceley, argued it protects against favoritism in city spending, while those in favor of raising it, like Tyson Hermes, noted the impact of inflation and called for simpler language in the policy. In an unofficial straw poll, the majority voted to keep the $100 limit, with a final decision scheduled for May 6.
Read more about the dollar limit for gifts debate here.
Lakeside Park says no to backyard chickens
The Lakeside Park City Council voted 4-1 against an ordinance that would have allowed backyard chickens within city limits, following months of debate and public input. The proposal, introduced by council member Cassi Schabell, included restrictions such as a ban on roosters and required chicken coops to be at least 25 feet from neighboring homes. Residents voiced concerns about noise, disease, and regulation, while supporters emphasized sustainability, homeowners’ rights, and emotional support benefits—particularly for the Wilson family, whose daughter with autism uses chickens as therapy animals. Despite a petition with nearly 500 signatures and Schabell’s advocacy, the ordinance failed, leaving the city’s 2015 ban on chickens in place. A final vote is expected May 6.
Read more about the backyard chicken discussion here.
Ludlow passes smoke-free ordinance
Ludlow City Council unanimously passed an ordinance banning smoking on city property, in workplaces, and in enclosed public spaces, aligning the city with others in Northern Kentucky like Bellevue, Dayton, and Highland Heights that have adopted similar smoke-free policies. Mayor Chris Wright emphasized the city’s commitment to public health, calling the ordinance a step toward a healthier Ludlow. The move follows advocacy from regional institutions such as St. Elizabeth Healthcare and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, though smoking bans have drawn mixed reactions from businesses and residents.
Read more about the law here.
Bellevue Police Department introduces new personnel
At the April 9 Bellevue City Council meeting, Police Chief Jon McClain introduced two new officers, Jonathan Kohler and Ian Clark, who will begin police academy training in May, and Nikki Best, the department’s new social worker, shared with Dayton through a Campbell County partnership funded by the state opioid settlement. Best splits her time between both departments daily, and her role has already made an impact, recently helping a resident living under a porch find needed resources. Council members welcomed the additions, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between traditional policing and social support.
Read more about the introductions here.
Bellevue considers police request for license plate reading cameras
At the April 9 Bellevue City Council meeting, Police Chief Jon McClain and a representative from Flock Safety presented a proposal to install license plate reading cameras in the city. The cameras would help identify vehicles involved in crimes by capturing license plates and unique vehicle characteristics, providing real-time alerts tied to national crime databases. McClain emphasized that the system prioritizes privacy, requires a valid search reason, and is subject to audit trails and strict access controls. The proposed plan includes installing eight solar-powered cameras at key entry and exit points around the city, with a two-year lease costing $53,200. The city may seek financial support from local businesses to help cover the costs, and if successful, could expand the system to additional intersections.
Read more about the license plate reading camera here.
What’s happening this week in local government?
Union Commission Caucus meeting: Monday, April 21
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss a bid for a pocket park and give an update on Union Town Square.
The agenda can be found here.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, April 21
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood City Building
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Newport Board of Commissioners: Monday, April 21
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 998 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The commission will hold a discussion to hear proposed changes to the Bar ID requirements and Extended Hours License Ordinances.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council: Monday, April 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the City Building Council Chambers
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, April 22
The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at 2950 Washington St.
What you need to know: The fiscal court will continue its discussion onscrapping the decades-old mandatory dog licensing fee. Read more about that conversation here.
The fiscal court will also continue discussing expanding golf cart access in Triple Crown. Read more about the expansion here.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, April 22
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center at 1840 Simon Kenton Wayin Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners meeting: Tuesday, April 22
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The Covington City Commission is set to vote on issuing up to $8 million in industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to support Orleans Development’s plan to convert a former warehouse at 1564 Banklick St. into the 39-unit Steelyard Apartments. The project, aimed at workforce housing, includes one- and two-bedroom units with average rents ranging from $1,200 to $1,475. To help finance the estimated $7.3 million rehab, the developer is also securing a $950,000 bridge loan from the Catalytic Fund. The IRB issuance would be paired with a 20-year PILOT agreement, reducing property taxes to keep rents more affordable.
Read more about the financing considerations here.
The commission will also vote on the golf cart ordinance amendment to allow them on more city streets.
Read more about the golf cart amendment here.
The agenda can be found here.
Erlanger special council meeting: Tuesday, April 22
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Florence City Council business meeting: Tuesday, April 22
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone County Fiscal Court Caucus Meeting: Wednesday, April 23
The meeting starts at 1 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
What you need to know: The fiscal court is holding a caucus meeting to discuss the next fiscal year’s budget.
Ludlow City Council caucus: Thursday, April 24
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
